Chapter 237. Rest in Peace (1)
Hollander, the Commander of the Royal Guards, stared at the young man before him with a troubled expression. His duty was to protect the Imperial Palace, yet he had abandoned that obligation.
All because of the young man standing in front of him—Caron Leston.
It had recently come to light that many of the command's staff officers had been tainted by dark mana. They had been infected by maw worms—repulsive, cursed vermin. And Hollander had seen that horrific truth with his own eyes.
So, he'd had no choice but to make a decision.
History had to be corrected. He couldn't allow another tragedy like the one fifty years ago to repeat itself in the palace.
"I'll tell you what needs to be done next," Caron said, draining a glass of water in one gulp. He wiped his mouth roughly with his hand before continuing, "We need to secure the palace garden."
The garden was where the teleportation magic circle connecting to Azureocean Castle had been installed.
At that, Hollander hesitated before answering, "It's currently under the direct control of Marquis Diaz."
"So they've stationed knights there?" Caron asked.
"...Yes," Hollander confirmed. "I know what your goal is, but it won't be an easy fight. Soldiers loyal to Marquis Diaz are also guarding that place."
The garden was a crucial location that could determine how all of this played out.
Now that the corruption of several staff officers by dark mana had been revealed, just like the recent incident involving the succubus, the Ducal Family of Leston once again had a legitimate reason to intervene in palace affairs.